My blood pressure is 162 over 102 what can I do - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Kjvitcb · 10-11-2008, 11:17 AM

My blood pressure is 162 over 102 what can I do? Been to my health provider and he did an EKG in the office and didn't appear to have any problems there. Blood tests in 2 weeks. Is that too long to wait? I'm afraid I'm gonna stroke out or something. Many folks told me that they were not allowed to leave the Doctors office with that reading

zekat · 10-11-2008, 06:05 PM

I don't think you have to worry about stroking out. While it's a bit surprising your doctor did not write a script, I'm sure he had his reasons. I recently had an EKG while at the doctors office and he told me that if I had sustained high blood pressure, it would have shown on the report. Maybe your doctor feels the same way and thinks the high BP is something new for you. When was your last appointment and was your BP fine then? I also wonder how old you are. On the one hand, I want to say to trust your doctor, but then on the other hand I'd have lots of questions

)

Personally, I own a home BP monitor and check it a few times a day to see where I'm at. It might be something you want to look into, just to keep tabs on what your BP is running throughout the day. Obviously, you don't want a sustained BP of 160/100 - over time it will can damage organs. But, if this is a new symptom for you, if you are young, etc., your doctor may be looking into other causes (Addisons, thyroid, etc.). Regardless, I would expect him to treat it sooner rather than later. Losing weight, exercise and meds are all great ways to get the numbers down. Did he not say anything about treatment?

writeleft · 10-11-2008, 06:35 PM

I agree with Zecat. Blood pressures fluctuate throughout the day, and one reading is not the full story. It's the average of your blood pressures, taken at the same times of day.

There are many potential causes of one's blood pressure being elevated. "White coat syndrome" refers to patients who's BP's leap up when the cuff goes on! Blood pressure is a very delicate balance between body chemistry and emotion at times. It's the average, that closest represents the interpretation of BP.

You are very wise to monitor your BP. I encourage you to follow through, and I think that these boards can be the source of some good information.

I also doubt you will stroke out. I have fought off malignant hypertension, (which is life threatening BP, which is impossible to control) for years - before I had my first stroke. Again, your age is a big question. But you keep searching out the answer, you are worth it!
,

famnd · 10-11-2008, 09:46 PM

Two wks is too long to wait. Ask if you can safely take aspirin to protect you from a stroke. What is your family history regarding b/p issues? By all means get a good b/p cuff & log your results. Take your b/p when you get up after going to the bathroom, before meals, & before bedtime.

Also, take your b/p when you are angry, sad, glad etc. so you can get a good picture of your b/p for the DR.

Hopefully, you will be able to use lifestyle measures to manage your b/p. Fam